Saturday, November 29, 2008

Our next inductee into the Environmental Hall of Fame is the American Wind Energy Association. Accepting for American Wind Energy is Hans Detweiler, the Director here in Illinois of State Legislation and Policy.

With over 1,500 members & advocates, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is the hub of the wind energy industry.

AWEA promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world. So...what is AWEA?

AWEA is a national trade association representing wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, services providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry--one of the world's fastest growing energy industries. In addition, AWEA represents hundreds of wind energy advocates from around the world.

The Association provides up-to-date information on:

wind energy projects operating;

new projects in various stages of development;

companies working in the wind energy field;

technology development; and

policy developments related to wind and other renewable energy development.

AWEA . . . the best source for wind energy information.

People count on AWEA to provide up-to-date, accurate information about the domestic and international wind energy industry. The Association is an industry clearinghouse, utilizing the following vehicles for communicating facts and statistics:

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS & UPDATES: AWEA staff work with Congress to ensure that wind industry interests are addressed in renewable energy legislation. Members of Congress and their staff come to AWEA for information on how legislative proposals would affect their constituents.

AWEA supports policies to boost wind energy and slow climate change, including extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC), establishment of a Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS), continuation of a strong federal research program, and programs to encourage international wind development.

EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: The Association provides statistics and information on development in the domestic and international markets to industry interests, the general public, and the news media. In addition, AWEA publishes the only weekly newsletter devoted to wind energy news.

THEIR WEB SITE: AWEA's Web site is now visited more than 5,000 times per day. It is the premier facility featuring news, research information, education materials, answers to technical and policy questions, and access to wind energy publications. New online information is posted regularly.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERSHIP AND ADVOCACY: AWEA offers a variety of memberships for companies and other organizations involved with wind energy, and also invites individuals to become Wind Energy Advocates.

It is my honor to induct the American Wind Energy Association into the Environmental Hall of Fame and invite Mr. Detweiler to come forward to accept the award.